When do you suppose to change the rear differential fluid? I dont think it has ever been changed. What are the details in changing the fluid?

Altima,

I'm not sure of the MB recommended interval. I TRY to change mine in 100K mile intervals.

There are two plugs on the diff., one at the very bottom and one farther up on the side. Remove the bottom one first and then get the other one out. Let it drain a little bit, at least until it turns from a stream to an occasional drop. Replace the bottom plug AND TIGHTEN. Fill the diff. with hypoid gear oil to the bottom of the top plug. Replace the top plug AND TIGHTEN. There have been more than one gearbox or differential destroyed by forgetting to tighten the plugs. In a differential, even leaving the top plug out will completely empty the differential of usable lubricant.

The rule I use is "don't put the plug in, unless you have the wrench for it in your hand".

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Another word of advice: Make sure you are able to remove the filler cap BEFORE removing the drain plug. No worse scenario than having a drained rear-end and not being able to fill it because of a siezed filler cap

WORD To Ya,

Brian

thanks guys. one more thing, what weight gear oil do I use?

For the standard differential on a 190E 2.3, use SAE 90 hypoid gear oil, M-B # 000 989 28 03.

For a limited slip differential, use M-B # 000 583 09 04.

There are comments about cleaning the vent on top of the differential while you are there. For detail, please search the archive for the following topics:

"Service interval for differential fluid?"
"Diff fluid change"
"suggestions on diff fluid"
"'94 C280 differential fluid exchange ..."

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Harry (94 C280)

MB says every 30k miles at the z service.

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